Drug decision too late for Paul

THE NHS today finally decided to fund a lung cancer drug – but a Notts widow has hit out, saying it is "too little too late" for her husband.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommended the drug Tarceva, which is used to treat lung cancer, be made available to NHS patients.

But the announcement is bitter-sweet for Sarah Waite, whose husband Paul was told in 2006 the health service would not pay for him to receive the medicine.

Family and friends rallied round and raised £2,300 in just six months to fund his treatment.

He took Tarceva for three months and died seven months later in September 2007.

"It is too little too late for me" said Sarah, of Trowell Grove, Trowell.

"It won't do Paul any good now. But if it means somebody else doesn't have to go through what we went through it's good."

Paul's youngest son Jack plays for old Toton football club, which raised £2,000. The treatment costs about £1,600 for a monthly dose.

Sarah said: "Had it been available earlier who knows? But he should have had the right to have access to this.

"Six months is a long time. He was only ill for two years, so six months is a big proportion of that.

"I am angry the Primary Care Trust did not fund this. Paul always worked. He paid his National Insurance, that's what it's for."

Health bosses today recommended that Tarceva, also known as erlotnib, be used by Trusts as an alternative to chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer.

More than 2,500 patients a year will now have access to the drug, which is expected to be available on the NHS in three months.

Professor Nick Thatcher, professor of medical oncology at Christie Hospital in Manchester, said: "Lung cancer is a difficult disease to treat and patients need access to the latest treatments to help extend their lives and improve debilitating symptoms.

"This final guidance is welcome news as erlotinib is a modern targeted oral treatment option, which helps extend the length and quality of life.

"It should be made available to eligible patients as soon as possible."

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation campaigned for three years to make Tarceva available through the NHS. A representative said: "Advanced lung cancer is a particularly devastating illness for patients and their families, with few treatment options. A positive appraisal is therefore welcomed."

claire.carter@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk